Pundit digs at Allan Saint-Maximin amid ‘world’s best’ Newcastle United claim
Noel Whelan has claimed Newcastle star Allan Saint-Maximin must now maintain consistency “every week” after his electric display against Man City on Sunday (21 August).
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed the 25-year-old “can’t just turn it on” against the league’s top sides.
As per Sky Sports Statto (21 August), Saint-Maximin received the broadcaster’s Player of the Match award after his dominant display during the 3-3 home draw against Man City.
The Frenchman notched two assists, five dribbles, created four chances and had three shots as he got the better of veteran England right-back Kyle Walker at St James’ Park.
Football Insider revealed earlier this month (13 August) that Newcastle are open to selling Saint-Maximin for £40million in the final weeks of the summer window.
The lightning-quick winger’s historic lack of end product is understood to be a problem for Eddie Howe.
Saint-Maximin has notched 30 combined goals and assists in almost 100 outings for Newcastle since joining in 2019.
Whelan told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury: “He can’t just turn it on against Man City.
“He’s got perform week-in, week-out and find that consistency we’ve talked about for so long from him.
“That’s what Eddie Howe will be striving to get out of him.
“When he plays like he did on Sunday he shows how important he can be to that Newcastle side.
“Saint-Maximin can open up defences, drive past defenders, cause all kinds of havoc – but it’s got to be every week.
“To really reach the heights of the world’s best players, it has to be the same level of performance.
“And that’s whether it’s against Everton, Leeds, Liverpool, or Man City.
“This has got to be the standard he maintains across the season now. If he does that, Newcastle will be up the table challenging – because that’s the difference he can make.”
In other news, ex-referee issues emphatic Kieran Trippier verdict as Newcastle controversy analysed.